Historic NYC Landmarks Where You Can Host Events

Many of New York City’s most cherished attractions are steeped in history. Central Park has been an urban oasis since 1853. The first Broadway show wowed audiences in 1866. And the Statue of Liberty has been standing tall since 1886.

For planners, this makes the city a particularly enticing place to host events. What better way to suggest pedigree and elegance than by hosting a gathering in a space that dates back many decades?

This is especially true during the holiday season, when planners too often turn to conventional restaurants or hotel ballrooms for their festive corporate events. Spaces that are indelible parts of the city of New York can make a tired end-of-year party feel momentous and special by providing historical panache and abundant charm.

Step back in time as we explore the most important venues of New York City’s past which continue to host memorable events today.

Carnegie Hall - 1891

In 1887, business tycoon Andrew Carnegie announced his desire to build a grand concert hall in Manhattan. Four years later, Carnegie Hall opened its doors – and an icon was born.

Over the past 128 years, Carnegie Hall, one of the most celebrated music venues in the world, has hosted everyone from Tchaikovsky to George Gershwin to Billie Holiday and the Beatles. And it’s available for hosting corporate events, too.

Three separate performance halls can be used for galas, fundraisers or presentations, accommodating 268 to 2,804 people depending on the space. A series of smaller rooms, including the 150-capacity Rose Museum, where you can set up tables alongside exhibits exploring the hall’s history, are used for more intimate meetings and events.

Carnegie Hall881 Seventh Ave.New York, NY 10019

New York Botanical Garden – 1891

The same year Carnegie Hall began welcoming patrons, New York’s famed botanical garden debuted to the public. Inspired by London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, this refuge in the heart of Manhattan spans 250 acres – more than any city garden in the country – and features more than 1 million fragrant plants.

Up to 330 guests can enjoy a private dinner in the Garden Terrace Room, which sets the scene with expansive views of the surrounding foliage and requires minimal additional decor. Just outside, a capacious tent can be utilized for a post-supper cocktail mixer.

The venue also arranges special team-building workshops, including one focused on the art of flower arrangements.

New York Botanical Garden2900 Southern Blvd.The Bronx, NY 10458

Grand Prospect Hall - 1892

Local entrepreneur John Kolle took inspiration from Versailles when building this opulent entertainment palace in Brooklyn just before the turn of the 20th century. Since its debut in 1892, the hall has hosted early motion pictures, opera performances and, during Prohibition, Al Capone, who frequented the venue’s speak-easy.

Fully refurbished to capture its original grandeur, the hall today hosts events in multiple venues spread across 140,000 square feet. The most adaptable space is the Grand Ballroom, which has hosted everything from presentations to indoor sports tournaments. The atrium is ideal for sweeping receptions, while the speak-easy is well-suited to small-scale gatherings.

Grand Prospect Hall263 Prospect Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215

New York Public Library - 1911

On May 24, 1911, when the New York Public Library first opened its doors, an estimated 30,000-50,000 people showed up, eager to explore its collection of one million books and stunning Beaux Arts architecture.

Nearly a century later, the library is no less impressive, and makes for a memorable meeting venue as well. Host a seated dinner for up to 150 in the McGraw Rotunda, featuring an assortment of elegant murals, or a presentation in the fully equipped Celeste Auditorium, which can accommodate up to 177 guests.

Bonus: You’ll know your money is supporting a crucial public institution in New York.

New York Public Library476 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10018

Grand Central Terminal - 1913

It’s hard not to marvel at the splendor of Grand Central Terminal, a bustling train station that combines functionality—it serves 67 million passengers a year—with elegance. Ornamental details, including bronze carvings and sculpted oak leaves, have been meticulously preserved, making it feel like hardly any time has passed since the terminal’s 1913 debut.

Add history to your event by booking Vanderbilt Hall, where 6,000 square feet of adaptable event space can accommodate events of all sizes under 48-foot-high ceilings and glittering gold chandeliers. The hall has also been utilized for many splashy pop-up events, focused on everything from Chinese design to fashion jewelry.

Grand Central Terminal89 E. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017

Radio City Music Hall - 1933

When John D. Rockefeller Jr. partnered with the Radio Corporation of America to debut Radio City Music Hall in 1933, it was seen as a serious gamble. The country was, after all, in the throes of the Great Depression. But Rockefeller believed the time was right to dream big, and he would be proven right when his ambitious project became a beloved New York institution. (All these years later, this is still the largest indoor theater in the world.)

In the years since it opened, the venue has hosted movie premieres, A-list concerts and, most famously, the annual Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. The Great Stage itself is the most show-stopping venue, offering capacity for more than 6,000 people beneath an iconic proscenium arch. The Grand Foyer is equally breathtaking and ideally suited to mid-size receptions, hosting up to 500. Looking for a smaller space? Consider the Roxy Suite, which can accommodate 75 people for a seated dinner, business meeting or product launch.

Radio City Music Hall:1260 6th Ave.
New York, NY 10020

In New York City, it’s remarkably easy to access the past when planning an event. Book a beautiful old space for your next meeting. It’s all but guaranteed to be one for the history books.

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